Evidence map›Paper›PMID 33704518›Full record

ReviewNeuroradiology2021

Neuroimaging safety during pregnancy and lactation: a review.

F Proença, C Guerreiro, G Sá, S Reimão

Abstract readReview
PubMed Publisher
In one paragraph

Review in Neuroradiology, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 7 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
7citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

7 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Traumatic brain injury in obstetric patients: challenges and management strategiesRevista colombiana de obstetricia y ginecologia · 2025
    Review
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. Review
  6. Article
  7. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

F ProençaServiço de Imagiologia Neurológica, CHULN - Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.
C GuerreiroServiço de Imagiologia Neurológica, CHULN - Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.
G SáServiço de Imagiologia Neurológica, CHULN - Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.
S ReimãoServiço de Imagiologia Neurológica, CHULN - Hospital Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal. sofiapcr@gmail.com.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8822-3166

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

purposeImaging studies are crucial adjuncts when studying acute and chronic diseases, so pregnant and lactating women are as likely to be evaluated with one of the available imaging modalities. Due to the specific condition of the mother and child in this time period it is crucial to make an appropriate selection of imaging studies.

methodsWe review the existing literature and analyse the latest evidence and guidelines regarding neuroimaging safety during pregnancy and lactation, proposing an algorithm of action based on risk/benefits assessment.

resultsChoosing the most appropriate neuroimaging modality implicates assessing the pretest pertinence of the study-the possibility of a serious treatable neurologic disease, pondering what is the most useful imaging modality for the diagnosis and evaluating the associated risks. Among physicians (and patients), however, the risk component is perhaps the least well understood, with misperceptions regarding safety and potential hazards. Computed tomography (CT) risks are principally related to ionizing radiation and intravenous (IV) administration of iodinated contrast. However, as very low risks for the mother and foetus have been reported and CT remains the most available tool for initial rapid diagnosis of acute neurological conditions, it should not be withheld in urgent situations. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), unlike CT, does not use ionizing radiation or iodinated contrast mediums, having the best anatomical detail possible. However, there are some usage safety concerns regarding the magnetic field strength and gadolinium-based contrast use.

conclusionThere are lacking longitudinal and prospective studies to sustain evidence based choices of imaging studies during pregnancy and lactation. Ultimately the decision should be based on the risk/benefit, taking into account the patient's safety, care and outcomes. However, using a specific algorithm can guide decisions in daily clinical practice.

Indexed as

LactationPregnancy ComplicationsChildContrast MediaFemaleHumansNeuroimagingPregnancyProspective StudiesContrast MediaGuidelineLactationNeuroimagingPregnancy

Identifiers

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.